Speaking
I work with groups of all sizes on topics including loss, trust, resilience, and life’s unexpected turns.
Each presentation is thoughtfully prepared and tailored to the group and the setting.
I share stories and lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What to Expect
My presentations are story-centered, thoughtful, and conversational. Whether speaking to a small community group or a larger audience, I aim to create connection, reflection, and meaningful discussion.
I believe some of the most lasting lessons come through ordinary stories honestly told.
Topics Include
- Storytelling and legacy
- Trust and deception
- Grief and resilience
- Reinvention after loss
- Writing and preserving family stories
- Faith, doubt, and difficult seasons
- The publishing journey
- Finding meaning in ordinary life
Conversations & Interviews
What begins as the story of a charismatic entrepreneur slowly unravels into something far more unsettling. Charlene joins the series as the investigation deepens, sharing her firsthand experiences and the events that would later inspire Edge of Belief. Charlene is introduced in Episode 1 and later appears in Episodes 6–9, where she discusses the experiences and discoveries that would later inspire her book—Edge of Belief: A Utah con I never saw coming. To get the full picture, listen from the beginning.
Listen from Episode 1 →A candid conversation about publishing, deception, and reclaiming control after professional betrayal—the emotional and financial realities of being scammed, and the determination to keep writing the story forward.
Listen →A conversation about the writing journey behind Devotion Deception Deliverance—Isaac’s Story and the challenge of documenting one man’s life inside the FLDS without sensationalizing the pain, fear, faith, and courage woven throughout it.
Listen →An update following Charlene’s earlier appearance. We discuss the publishing deception, experiences, and discoveries that later inspired her book, Edge of Belief: A Utah con I never saw coming. She also reflects on the emotional and financial impact of betrayal and the importance of recognizing warning signs.
Listen →A conversation about Devotion Deception Deliverance—Isaac’s Story and the realities of life inside the FLDS community, and the importance of raising awareness for those affected by religious control and exploitation.
Listen →Charlene shares her journey through widowhood, motherhood, writing, and eventually publishing her first book decades later. A conversation about resilience, storytelling, and the lasting value of sharing our lived experiences.
Listen →A thoughtful conversation about loss, resilience, memory, and rebuilding life after tragedy.
Listen →In the News
Coverage of Candace Rivera’s sentencing following her no-contest plea to fraud and related charges.
Watch →Follow-up reporting after Candace Rivera’s bail was denied following her arrest on more than 30 felony charges.
Watch →Breaking news coverage of Candace Rivera’s arrest and the charges brought by the Utah Attorney General’s Office.
Watch →Live Speaking
Charlene co-hosted and spoke at this two-day retreat for widows navigating grief and rebuilding. A full recording of her presentation exists and will be available here soon.
Video coming soonI speak with groups of all sizes about storytelling, resilience, trust, grief, and life’s unexpected turns.
If you’re planning an event, podcast interview, book discussion, or community gathering, I’d love to connect.
Contact Charlene